Six artificial lakes closed in Mexico due to brain-eating amoeba detection

Health authorities in the Yucatan state of Mexico have prohibited all water-related activities in six artificial lakes in Merida following the confirmed presence of Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba." The decision was triggered by the death of a 33-year-old wakeboarding instructor who contracted the rare, often fatal infection while working at the Plaza La Isla lake in September.

After testing nine bodies of water, officials identified the amoeba in six locations: Plaza La Isla, the east and main lakes of Cabo Norte, Centenario Zoo lake, Gran Parque La Plancha, and the Western Ecological Park. While the parks and zoos remain open to the public, all water contact is strictly forbidden to prevent further cases.

Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm freshwater and causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis if water enters the human nasal passage, leading to rapid brain infection. Authorities are currently maintaining the ban to ensure public safety, though no further infections have been reported in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.